Your Thoughts ArchiveDecember 10-15, 2009

Another Christmas memory was going over to my grandparents house on Christmas Eve. They lived across from St. Benedict's School, so we would walk over. It was my Mom and the kids, never my Dad. I thought nothing of it at the time but, in retrospect, I think it gave my Mom the opportunity to visit her parents on Christmas Eve and my Dad the opportunity to put things together, without us kids seeing anything. By that time, my grandparents adopted the tabletop silver tree. Those things weren't a memory for me but what is a memory are those bubble lights. They had bubble light candleabras in their window. You all know them, the filament heats up which heats the liquid to bubble. You still see those lights from time to time and seeing them always reminds me of Christmas Eve at my grandparents.Dennis McGlinchey, Born & raised in East Germantown [12-15-2009]

speaking of steak/hoagie joints, somebody help me out with the name of the place next to the Chew Tavern. How about some more G-town stores, like Baby Town, Franklin Simon, Hanscom's Bakery, Wilf Bros, the Orpheum Theater?Don Barrella, Warwick Twp Bucks Co [12-15-2009]

Anybody remember the blizzard on Christmas Eve of, I think, 1966? a lot of snow. But not enough to cancel Midnight Mass at IC. Midnight Masses were special and I always liked them. The pomp and ceremony just made them all the more special. IC Church is huge and can seat 1,300. Their Midnight Masses were always packed. Probably there were a few that had alittle too much to drink mixed in but, as a kid, I was oblivious to that. My brothers and I were altar boys. My Mom always made us drink tea at 10:00pm so we would stay awake through the Mass. Before my time, in the 1940s and maybe prior, their big Christmas Mass was the 5:00am Mass on Christmas morning. I can't even imagine. But, someone gave me a photo of the Church taken at the, I think, 1945 Christmas morning 5:00am Mass and it was just like the Midnight Masses I knew, with the altar boy procession, the full choir, parishioners packed to the rafters, etc. Whether they still had a Midnight Mass along with the 5:00am Mass, I don't know. That was before my time. Nowadays, you really have to search to find a Midnight Mass. So few Churches offer them. But they were a special memory of my Christmas' growing up in Germantown. Another IC Christmas memory I have is the creche that IC had. Lifesize and dating back to the early 1900s, it was beautiful. They still have that creche. The three-arched stable is long gone but the figures remain. They have all been repainted. There are pictures of the figures in a photo album on the FriendsofImmaculate website. While its nice to see those figures still around, I do miss the setting on the side altar with the three-arched stable. That was the perfect setting for that creche.Dennis McGlinchey, Born & raised in Germantown [12-15-2009]

Paul Amendolia: You are correct that The Continental looks good and is being properly maintained. The Screaming Eagles [101ST] have a major presence and paratroopers never die,they just fade away. I was talking to Jack[Duke] Gallagher and he likes the way, the 101ST guys are treated there. I like the fact that I can visit the old-neighborhood[G-town] and have a taste with brother-veterans. I understand that John West still belts a few down on Sunday at The Continental. I talked with The Commander-Tom Conway and our old Commander,Tom McLaughlin was also was from upstate Pennsylvania. Reading the blogs on this site must get me nostalgic-in the last week,I went to G-town and Fairmount not far from Eastern State Pen. I see that you live in Cinnaminson which is a nice place to hang your hat. I lived in Palmyra Harbour,many years ago-I always liked river-towns since East Falls and Manayunk are not far from G-town. Paul! You have the same first name as the big bear from GHS[Paul Borian] and I wonder if Bor is sad today since Tiger Lil[Lillian Reis] is being buried today. Back in the day,Lil ran the Celebrity Room in Center City and many G-towners knew her. She was connected with many unique characters,some from Germantown and K&A and she became famous after The Pottsville Heist. There were always interesting people in G-town and Philly and like many people on this site, I never really got acclimated to the burbs.John Bruce Schmitt [12-15-2009]

I remeber a Buddy Bowers did you ever live on Wakefield st. And who did janet introduce to to who became your wife. Nicoletti class of 64Raymond Dawes [12-15-2009]

To Bonnie Gatto, I lived on Keyser St and I remember the lemon water ice, it was the best ever. KathyKathy DiFeo Kirchenbauer [12-15-2009]

Bob D'Angelo correction on the huckster it was Harry Gentile aka Harry the huckster. Does anyone remember another huckster "Ockrok" (sp?) he had a horse and wagon.Lou Fondi, St. Mikes '58 & the hollow [12-15-2009]

Hi bud ballard, I think SR Grace taught the 4th or 5th grade after we were thru that grade. I remember her as being a very pretty nun.She was little and they used to say that she was like dynamite, which also comes in small packages. All the boys that were going thru puberty at the time, and just starting to look at girls,what were we then 12 or 13, just loved her. She was a nice person unlike some of the others that taught us. They taught us well, but they were brutal sometimes.I still have the scars on my knucles from that dreaded three sided ruler that, I forget which nun wielded that sucker. The yardstick with the black electrical tape wrapped around the end,what another weapon of choice.My younger brother had here and loved her also.I just dug out my North yearbook and checked out your picture, because I am finding it difficult putting names and faces together.You were in my class form 1st thru ninth, and I remember you since i got the yearbook out. You mentioned jacques senechal,I remember his first day.He came in a sweater and it was a very cold day, but since he was from Montreal or Quebec he said this isn't cold! Lol some of the things we remember! Talk to you again.ed [12-15-2009]

Arlene. Billy Swann also drove the food truck to for the dog house.rich, huntingdon valley [12-15-2009]

Back in the early 40's St. Vincent's parish did not allow Italians to enroll in their school. It was an Irish parish. My mother was told to enroll her child in Holy Rosary. We lived a half block from the school (St. Vincent). She persuaded the pastor to change his policy. I also remember the xmas candy. It was a wonderful parish and the hall was open for the kids to hang out. The "Avenue" had great stores; Franklin-Simmons, Russels, Allens,etc. I loved the thin bubble lights on our xmas tree. We listened to our radio that was a big piece of furniture. The gents all wore Steston (sp?) hats. It was a great period in the 40's and 50's.FrannyB [12-15-2009]

Did anyone get there Christmas tree every year at Germantown Ave. and Seymore Street ? Was it Mr. McGann who used to sell them ?anonymous, 60 - Germantowner [12-15-2009]

I was not trying to fabricate an untruth about Monsignor McGarrity, nor was I trying to gloss over the prejudice towards Italians and many ethnic and cultural groups. I know there were times when I felt the prejudice and it hurt. It made me a more tolerant, broader thinking person, and I am grateful for that. The fact is, I merely found the story fascinating and had never heard it. Like many St. Mike's kids,I had grown up believing there was a conspiracy against Italian people by McGarrity, and it infuriated me. But I would like to think, based on that I now remember that he and Fr. Cavalucci were friends, that it was more of an urban legend. I don't believe anyone would let a "friend" discriminate his heritage orpeople. In the end, does it really matter ? We're OK and old enough to handle it now..... no matter what is real and what is not. Being Italian, Irish, German, Polish,Russian, Black, Puerto Rican etc. we all learned to accept each other. Whether it was playing basketball, baseball, touch football, being in the street or in the classroom etc. I learned to respect individualism. It was all because of the true melting pot that Germantown was. It was all a wonderful time and a wonderful experience, that we should all enjoy sharing on this website.It should really unite, and not divide us.Bob D'Angelo [12-15-2009]

Oh yes they or we had to steal those Christmas bulbs and throw them and break them. Maybe it was they had them and we did not. Those lights were expensive back then. Also as i remember everyone was cash poor then. then also the was the ice skating rink on Rodney street on the other side of Stenton ave. there has been no experience in my life like going down the ave. Everyone was royalty. Not while I was there but at one tim Grace Kelly hung out in germantown and related that she went to the Orphuem Theartre and her uncle lived in the Aden apartments. Also she graduated from Stevens school for girls on School house lane. I remember watching those girls not her playing land hockey later to find out the game was field hockey. I ll tell you about W C Fields in Germantown next timsteve donohoe [12-15-2009]

JBS: I appreciate your kind words to me and wish I could have met Ludmilla. I think I would have enjoyed picking her brain, since she had such an interesting life. Too bad it was cut short.Rosemarie Rinaldi [12-15-2009]

Bob D'Angelo I worked with Joe Gentile on the huckster truck for one summer in '57 or '58. The pay was good if I remember somewhere between 75 cents and a dollar an hr. We had to be on dock st around 5AM to pick up the produce and then worked to about 5 PM. Joe's prices changed by neighborhood. Certain parts of germantown, Pulaski town for example where he would sell canteloupes 25 cents apiece or 3 for a dollar. Got a real education that summer.Lou Fondi, St. Mikes '58 [12-15-2009]

Linda Fontana: Yes, I do remember Tony the mailman and can't believe that someone else does as well! He was always so cheerful when making his deliveries. As I've read through the blogs over the past few years, I've often thought of him. He delivered the mail to my grandmom Muller's house on Stockton Road throughout my childhood when we lived there.Patricia Carr [12-14-2009]

Vera, Yes I do remember the candy box.. I think I gave to my mother as a Christmas present one year.. I also remember going to the Hall to see the movie Dumbo if I remember correctly.. . Not sure if it was Christmas or end of the year..Erda [12-14-2009]

I would like to thank John Bruce Schmitt for the compliment of the Continental post. We have worked very hard to maintain and improve the building. Many of us our proud germantowners and we will never let the place die. Many of us have moved away but that has not deterred us from coming back. This is why the post is thriving so well. Like you John, we have many present good memories of germantown. It still is a wonderful place an we are all grateful.PAUL AMENDOLIA, 48yrs, royal st. now living in Cinnaminson NJ [12-14-2009]

Bud Ballard, the steak shop next to the New Lyric theatre (South side) was The Dog House. They had the best dogs in town, especially with the works.Gtn. Historian [12-14-2009]

Reading about past Christmas memories in Germantown awakens a new memory for me. I am not as old as most of you guys. We too at the Immaculate got a box of hard candy from the pastor. I also remember as altar boys, in the week before Christmas going over to the lower church in the hallway between the boiler and the sacristy and getting the white cassocks and the red capes and sashs with the gold trim and having them pressed for Christmas, and then standing in line and processing down the main aisle of the Church for midnight mass. Fr. Door gave us a small gift. It was usually something to make us look better, a shoe shine kit one year and a brush and comb set another. Some of us had to help the sexton Dominic LaNett carry out the large figures for the Nativity Scene. Out the Avenue (Germantown and Chelten) the garland would be stretched across Chelten Avenue with a large Bell in the center, and we always got to see Santa climb into the window at Allen's Department Store at Chelten Avenue and Greene Street. Don't we all wish we could relive the old days, a time with less stress and not worrying about finances. No matter how rich or poor our parents were, they always made Christmas Morning Special.Bob Mc Creight, 56, Havertown, Immaculate '67 [12-14-2009]

I remember my dad putting up the large Christmas lights around the door and window on Portico St. and then sitting down to watch Bishop Sheen on tv. He had those weird (we called them Lord Fauntleroy) brown slippers. He heard a noise outside and there he was running up the street in the snow trying to catch the kids who stole his Christmas bulbs AS they were throwing them at him. He came home mad as can be with his ugly slippers all scuffed up...He used to also put a loudspeaker outside the house and play Christmas music nightly during the Christmas Holidays. Did anyone else family do weird things too?Arlene (Bloomer)McMahon, Christmas Lights [12-14-2009]

To BuD Ballard - I think you were talking about The Little Dog House located next to the New Lyric Theatre. I think Bobby Taylor ran their lunch truck.Arlene (Bloomer)McMahon, Little Dog House [12-14-2009]

bud ballard, that was called "the dog house"anonymous [12-14-2009]

Bob D'Angelo: When I read what you wrote about Mon. McGarrity, I thought 'what a nice christmas gift you've given us'. But based on the letters that followed, it's just like a Christmas present. Some of us were happy with it, some graciously put it aside, while others just don't like it or let you know it doesn't fit. Still I think I heard a bell ring.Bill James [12-14-2009]

Another Father York story... Bob D'Angelo and I were asked by Father York after serving mass if we liked him. My cousin said NO and I of course would always side with my cousin said NO also. Once again I figured that Bob and I were well on our way to Roosevelt Junior High, however Father York said that he had asked that question to all the Altar Boys and only Bob and I said NO. He figured that we were the only two honest ones and said that he would tell Mother Superior, that he was giving us the day off from school that day. How we dodged all thoes bullets I will never know.Joe D'Agostino [12-14-2009]

My cousin Bob D’Angelo and I were altar boy partners. I remember the days in the winter serving the 6:00 AM mass and the only people in the church was the little old Italian ladies wearing all black, still in mourning over the death of a loved one who passe some 30 years ago. . I remember they all seemed to have problems with their stockings, for most of them were worn just slightly above their black shoes and rolled up. One mass that my cousin Bob always reminds me of was a certain 9:00 AM mass on Sunday. Of course, Sunday at 9:00 AM was the “Big Time”. The church was full, and all your classmates were usually there. Seems, that dur- ing the Offertory Part of the mass, I was to ring the bell when the host was raised. Only prob- lem was the “Clapper” broke. I, always was the “Fast Thinker” between the two of us, so when Father York went to raise the Chalice I said “Ding- a- ling -a -ling.” After the mass Bob and I figured we were through as students at St. Mike’s, but instead Father “Fire and Brimstone” York praised us for our fast thinking.Joe D'Agostino [12-14-2009]

hi everybody from old germantown,anybody remenber woolworths having kids clothes being modeled for xmas.i did that once,they gave us the clothes we modeled. well here's wishing everyone a merry xmas and very happy new year.gggeorge greene, retired in gilbertsville [12-14-2009]

I went to Logan Elementary School and we always had a Christmas tree in the school's vestibule and in the classrooms. We made decorations for the trees. We also made gifts for our parents, which were saved by Mom for all these years! Everybody got a BIG candy cane to take home, which usually was broken in at least three places before we got to eat it.Sheila Denardo [12-14-2009]

I just wanted to say that the Christmas memories on this site are fabulous. I'm sure that we've made good memories for our own families, but the memories that I have of the holidays in Germantown can never be duplicated. You can't get the same feeling from shopping at the mall and taking your grandkids to Friendly's for lunch.Lynne [12-14-2009]

Sister Grace was the best--she has passed. Another good one was Sister Albertine. It is because of these great ladies that Catholic was the best. Not so today because there are no nuns. Firls don't want to become nuns. A favor?? When you write can we use graphs or indents to break up the long paragraphs. And what kind of Doctors are the ones you guys keep referring to here? Joe Taylorjoe taylor, Athens, Ga [12-14-2009]

OMG I had completely forgotten about the hard candy until you posted here, Vera. Weren't they in the shape of animals and they were in a box about the size of animal crackers. MaryaliceMaryalice [12-14-2009]

I'm enjoying the Christmas reminiscence of the sweet days of Germantown past. Vera, I remember the boxes of hard candy we all got at St. Vincents.HELEN LEONE D'ANGELO [12-14-2009]

Bud are you talking about the dog house ?rich, huntingdon valley [12-14-2009]

Yes, it always was the coldest day when my Dad decided to put up those strings of big lights of every color....or were those years just colder???? I remember his fingers numb and fumbling with the wires and Mom ironing the red velvet ribbon for our door wreath. Funny how we remember such little things... A year didn't go by that I didn't hope, I had been good enough, so Santa would come... This is a special year, I bought those big bulbs for some of my bushes and I felt like my Dad was right beside me... saying... don't stick your finger in the socket.... I in turn gave my grandson the same advice. Merry Christmas everyone!Jane Nyce Bender, Immaculate midnight choir...wish I could see it again [12-14-2009]

to ed burke....st.francis of assisi class of 1956 had a reunion october 20, 1979. i still have the program booklet. the booklet contained the list of teach- ing nums 1 thru 9th grade during our grade school years. ed, you mentioned sr. grace winifred, "the best nun we never had". i don't remember sr. winifred. tell us more about sr. winifred.BUD BALLARD [12-14-2009]

Bonnie Gato: The problem was there was only one ball. Goo liked to shoot it. I only shot it when I had it. We were never on the same team. I played basketball for most of my first 20 years, but I never learned anything about the game until I was too old to play.Jack Brogan, I'm in Jersey. Exit 5. [12-14-2009]

Does any one remember Elda and Felix Berardi. I am their daughter. Sadly my parents have both passed away very recently.They had so many connections with Germantown. If anyone knew them please share a story with me. Thank youChristina Berardi Paone [12-14-2009]

Bud Bollard are you thinking of the Dog House or further down at Spring Alley below Wister St there was Marie's Lunchentte.Patty [12-14-2009]

When I think of Germantown, I usually think of Fernhill Park. My parents lived across from the park on Morris Street. Mostly I remember all the gang that hung out at the park: Joe D'Agostino, Ed Belcak, John Petty, Craig Moore and Bob D'Angelo. I remember the girls, too: Nancy Prusienski, Anne Moskowitz, Peggy Duddy, Maryanne Nevin and Ginny Keller. Is it my imagination or did Germantown have more than its share of pretty girls? I remember the great football games we had in the park, both tackle & touch. It all seems so long ago and far away now. It was a simpler time. I've been able to get back in touch with many of my old friends from Germantown. I will always treasure their friendship, and I thank them for being part of my life.John Abbamondi, Location: Choctaw OK, age: 62. [12-14-2009]

I remember this time of year when Joe "Spooks" would sell Xmas trees across from Chanes Drug store standing in front of the "burn barrel." We would get the tree and walk down Chelten Ave to our house at 959 E Chelten Ave. Reading all these posts has really brought back many memories.Jim Money, Herndon VA [12-14-2009]

Way to tell him Anonymous to Gerry. He is pathetic.anthonyg [12-14-2009]

Bonnie Gatto..I remember playing the pinball machines in the store next to Sal's.Was that Del's? Anyway,I perfected my own technique by resting the front legs of the machine on my feet.Had to be just right or the game would tilt.After racking up many,many free games,it was time to play the games honestly.Man,I was really good!Too bad that I did not have the same skills in hitting a baseball......Paul BorianPaul Borian [12-14-2009]

Linda Fontana, A very merry Christmas to you and yours. Please give the Baby Jesus a kiss for the G-man boozy beathe and all. I am an old man but have a wonderful soul and spirit. G-manG-Man [12-14-2009]

I hate to disagree with Marty O'Gara and Bob D'Angelo, but I grew up in a neighborhood that also had an Italian parish. No other pastor in any of the other parishes felt the need to build up the Italian parish by denying access to their churches for mass or confession. The requirement for belonging to the Italian parish was to be Italian. There was nothing that Monsignor McGarrity could do to change anyone's nationality so that he could "build up" St. Mike's. Did he have a magic wand that allowed him to magically make you Italian and add to the congregation at St. Mike's? You either were Italian and had to belong to St. Mike's or you weren't. Therefore, going into St. Francis for a mass or confession occasonally did not make you a parishioner there. I can understand that it's hard to believe such prejudice from a man of God, but trying to put a spin on the truth will not do it.Rosemarie Rinaldi [12-14-2009]

JBS: Thank you for the kind words. I would have loved to meet Ludmilla. Seems she had an interesting life and I would have loved to hear about it. So sad that she's gone.Rosemarie Rinaldi [12-14-2009]

Lorraine Cupo Kelly: I remember those Italian cookies that looked like ravioli - haven't seen them in ages. I appreciated them more when I was grown; now I wish I could have them again. (But don't ask me how to spell or pronounce the name - anybody out there know?)Rosemarie Rinaldi [12-14-2009]

TO JOE D'AGOSTINO: Loved your reference to the 86,400 seconds in every day that we have and to spend them wisely. Back in October, we toured Arlington National Cemetery and after the last stop on the tourmobile, the guide asked if we noticed the dates on the tombstones. He said that the first date is the date of birth with a dash in between and the second date is the date of death. The dash is what we have between the dates and that we should never waste that dash and to do good things during the dash. So I say to all, ENJOY THE REST OF YOUR DASH! MERRY CHRISTMAS!Rosemarie Rinald [12-14-2009]

Bill Cupo, again, nice post of Christmas memories. My Dad used those big bulbs, just red and green. I have stayed true to those big bulbs, and still use them. I use all colors though, not just red and green. You don't see those big bulbs used much anymore. Most folks on my street opt for the white lights. A couple use the small colored lights. As long as I can, I will use those multi-colored big bulbs. They remind me of Christmas' past.Dennis McGlinchey, Born & raised in East Germantown [12-14-2009]

Bob D'Angelo, what you said about Msgr McGerrity makes sense. It is along the lines of what I thinking, and saying here, With the East Germantown parishes (St. Vincents, Holy Rosary and IC), they were all administered by the Vincentians. If Italians were directed to HR, just maybe it was for territorial reasons, or just maybe it was one Vincentian pastor having compassion for another Vincentian pastor.... IF Italians were directed, don't assume it was for discrimination reasons. Speaking for IC, Victor Errichetti was quite busy burying IC's Italians so, during my time, Italians were most welcomed there.Dennis McGlinchey, Born & raised in East Germantown. [12-14-2009]

Bud, it was the dog house.joe leone [12-14-2009]

Hey PaulBorian, (In a lively Tune)"Fight you Cardinals FightBring Victory home tonightFor the Garnet and Gold of CD HighWe shout Hurrahs up to the skyWe cheer you loud and longWe raise our voices strongFight team, beat back our foes with mightCome on you Cardinals fight, fight FIGHT"

God bless all the Bears too....Happy Holidays.Gtn Gerry [12-14-2009]

do you remember the boxes of hard candy the kids at St. Vincents would get,from the school at Christmas?anonymous, vera carey canavan [12-12-2009]

Erda, Thanks for the memories. Remember John's bargain store too. I remember going in to Rowell's and just being wow'ed that this was the "expensive" store. I would go shopping with my mom too and we would go to H & H and I would always get the frosted cinnamon bun cut in half and toasted. Like you, my mom would always meet someone, stop and talk which would seem forever. They were good and simple times then. Wish we had them now. Thanks.Rosaleen McWilliams [12-12-2009]

Bonnie Gatto: I think that pinball machine at Del's was called Aces High. It was the best. We all could get "games" on it. That was the problem, you could play that thing for hours. It was only a nickel, not like today $1.00 I still like to play. I watch these kids today and they have no idea how to use flippers. No Tilts either. Great times....Joe DAgostino [12-12-2009]

You guys are right. Santa came to Allens.So what if it was a "Senior Moment" it came to me at 3:00 Am when I got up to go to the bathroom. Maybe I should have called you Cuz, after all don't we all get up now in the middle of the night. There was a time when we stayed up til 3:00 AM but now we are all into at least 5 hours of sleep by then. I think the talk of the prejudice should stop. We all experienced some form of it, I still do, but as I always say "It's not my life and it's not my wife." I truly feel that after my time in Vietnam EVERY DAY IS A GIFT.Remember that you have 86,400 seconds in one day, you never get them back and you can never reuse them, so spend them wisely. As for my Germantown friends I remember as a child seeing Santa climb into a department store....in my eyes the store seemed like Macy's in New York and Santa climbed up this ladder that appeared to reach the sky, and he was as real as the any person I ever knew. Santa was probably Irish,German, Italian, Asian,or whatever you needed him to be, but he was real and I saw him. Let us remember my brothers (and sisters) in Iraq and Afganistan. I think they would all like to see Santa climb into ROWELLS, Or Allens or wherever Smalltown,USA is. Bob Terranova, let's do dinner ASAP and Bob DAngelo you owe me $10.00 I never forgot how you lost your half of our $20.00 bill after I came home from Vietnam. But that's another story and I still love you.Joe DAgostino [12-12-2009]

I am constantly amazed by the differentiation of the Parishes by nationality..I remember sitting in my parents' home on LBI (NJ) and listening to a guy named "Responti" (sp?)and him telling us all he went to St. Mike's..I asked my Dad just where was St. Mike's and he indicated that it was almost across the street from St. Francis'Church..(His parish)..Why in God's name would you have 2 Catholic Churches that close together..I really don't remember his response, but after reading the latest postings in re Msgr. McGarrity it becomes a little clearer..I was recently visiting my son & daughter-in-law on LBI and ran into a woman @ the laundromat, who after a few minutes of dicussion, let me know she was from the Gonzaga Home down on Church Lane..Her maiden name was Molloy and she was as nice as she was Irish..This world is getting smaller by the minute.. If Dr. Terranova is reading this, please give my regards to Bert Boyle...He's an old friend of the Deely Family..As a matter of fact, he and my nephew almost spent time @ Rahway together..(Kidding, of course). My late brother's (NECHS-1953)wife sent me a clipping of the Falcons win against Frankford..My cousin played for North many moons ago under Gillespie..My older sister would take me to the games @ G & Erie..One time, I think Tommy played for the Championship in Shibe Park...North lost..That would have been in the late "40's, I think...Hey, Dr. Terranova, you might want ask Dr. Hagger about his Mom..He told me she was from G'Town but really didn't know what part..Merry CHRISTMAS to all of the folks on this "page"...Old Codger, Mike DeelyMike Deely, Too old for most of you "posters" [12-12-2009]

question what the name of the steak shop located at germantown & manheim on the south side of the new lyric movie.BUD BALLARD, oballard89@aol.com [12-12-2009]

Hi Carol(neeWalsh). It's been a long time. How are you? Hope all is well. Nice to see some nice posts on here, especially this time of year. How is your sister Madeline? Make sure you tell her I said hello.anthonyg [12-12-2009]

Gerry apparently you don't comprehend. I wrote I deserved to be booted out. It was not because of any kind of bias. I screwed up. But don't let one of a different ehtnic background back in and not the other. It is over. Get a life Gerry. Let it go.Get over it. You are probably some frustrated lonely person with nothing better to do. Just enjoy this joyous time of year. I am. I just came back on because someone wrote me that you came out from under your rock and attacked me again. You are pathetic. Get a life, Gerry.anthonyg [12-12-2009]

I attended Our Lady of the Rosary from 1960- 1969. Are there any students from these years out there? Would like to hear from you.mARION, phila. age 53 [12-12-2009]

Erda, you pretty much said it all about Christmas in Germantown...right down to your mom stopping to talk to people. I remember walking to the avenue with my mom and along the way she'd stop to talk to people we really didn't know. Like you, I'd be anxious to get on with it and get to the avenue.Sheila [12-12-2009]

My brother Bill has some nice memories of our childhood days in Germantown. I'm glad he does and that he shares them with all of us. I especially enjoy reading "his thoughts". I'm ten years older than he; so he may not remember the farmer who also came to our neighborhood home to sell his eggs. At Easter, that same farmer sold chicks of various colors, along with small ducks. My mom always bought a pastel colored chick for us at Easter; then we would return it to the farmer a few months later (if it lived that long)! At Christmas, I remember going to the "avenue". Rowells, Allen's, Cherry's were, to us, at least, considered "high end". I remember the Lerner Shop, Patti Page & Big John's (today's $1 store). Christmas time in Germantown was a special time when family & friends gathered to sip home-made eggnog (my dad's was the best!); visit each other's homes to admire the Christmas tree; and to check out the stockings hanging from the "make believe" fireplace mantels. My aunt Josephine & Uncle Victor who lived across from us on Haines Street, always let us share a taste of anisette and/or Rock n' Rye (do they still make that stuff?). We always felt so grown up when they did. One of my aunt's Christmas gifts to us was making a VERY SPECIAL pastry called gudganeats (sp?) The pastry batter was made with flour, beer & oil. The filling consisted of chocolate, dried fruit, chestnuts, whiskey. The filling was placed in the pastry; sealed with a fork (my job); cut & shaped like a ravioli; then deep fried in oil for a few seconds. When they cooled, confectioner's sugar was sprinkled on top. I never worried about calories back then; but looking back now, I'm sure one of those delicious treats equaled approx. 1,000 calories. Christmas in Florida doesn't have quite the ambiance that the Christmas in Germantown had; but then again, Christmas is universal; a rebirth and a new beginning no matter where you are. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.Lorraine (Cupo) Kelly, fl, cdhs 59, ic 55 [12-12-2009]

Gerry just doesn't know how to take the hint...that if he didn't experience something it doesn't mean it didn't happen. Gerry, maybe if you would just take these people on their word and stop insinuating that they lie, you'd get along better with all of us. We're all pretty nice people and aren't liars and would much rather hear of some of your experiences and memories and not your rantings.anonymous [12-12-2009]

Bob D'Angelo, thank you so much for your beautiful story regarding the so called predjudice . Bob, I lived on Knox St all of my life. I lived next door to my parents life long friends, your cousin Quinta and her husband Stan.My brothers and I went to St. Francis,the Forgione boys went to St. Mikes....we never knew a predjuice .We were Irish, but we celebrated Italian every Christmas Eve by jumping over the railing on the porch.To this very day our family still talks weekly to our Italian neighbors who we consider our family.I wish everyone was as lucky as I am to have incredible memories that were only a hop over the railing.Merry ChristmasTeri Evans ireland [12-12-2009]

Rosemarie Rinaldi: You are one of the astute commentators on this site,dealing with ethnicity,morality,values and theology. My wife[Ludmila] who was a Professor of Latin-American Literature always enjoyed reading your blogs since she had a keen interest in culture,sociology and religion. I liked Bob D'Angelo's take on Monsignor P.J. McGarrity which he culled from Marty O'Gara's thoughts-Marty is well grounded and has many Italian-American friends. I believe that a prejudice-priest is a oxymoron. I recently was talking with a MBS Guy-I know that you grew up in that area.We were talking about Joe Deeney from MBS who coached many great players-Tom Duff,Jim Lynam etc. and his brother,Rev. John Deeney S.J.[Prep "39"] works in India. John Deeney S.J. is The Jesuit Mother Teres and I have been fortunate to know many fine and compassionate priests. I have read many discerning blogs on this site about priests and my conclusion is that Rev. P. J. McGarrity was probaly an aging cantankerous curmudgeon. Recently, I was hanging out with The Wilkins Brothers at The Continental in West Germantown. Back in the day,I took Jim Wilkins to the Queen Lane Project to shoot hoops-we integrated the playground. Jim was much younger and I got involved in a full court game on the asphalt-court. I came off the court and a dude took Jim W's basketball. This was not prejudice but it was simply the case that the brother wanted the basketball. We did get the ball returned. I truly believe that most people and religious leaders are fair-minded and tolerant-all human beings have frailities. My wife and I were happy that you were never intimidated by some of the very bright bloggers on this site-some know how to go for the jugular.John Bruce Schmitt [12-12-2009]

i remember walking along germantown ave. it was always croweded with friendly shoppers. that was a long time ago and iam glad that i experienced it. it is really depressing to drive down the avenue nowdays. i cannot envision it ever being a nice place to visit again. wishing everyone a great holiday and new year. frank danonymous [12-12-2009]

Don Barella, Bob D'Angelo, et al. I remember Bert the Ice Cream and the Huckster (although I don't remember his name). Anybody remember the Ice Man who delivered blocks of ice on his truck. That's where my mom and dad got the ice we used in making the lemonade my mom sold on the corner. We broke it apart with an ice pick. And how about Grant the cop?Bonnie Gatto [12-12-2009]

Jack Brogan: I was younger than you 'big' guys, but I remember watching all of you in a lot of basketball league games in the New gym. You guys were good. Was it you that GOO was always after?Bonnie Gatto [12-12-2009]

Hi Again to Bill James: I remember clearly the bumper trick on Del's pinball machines. I seem to recall another method - drilling a small hole on the side of the machine where the mechanical game counter was located and then inserting a piece of wire to catch on the counter and advance it to add on additional games. And Cheech was one of the best.Bonnie Gatto [12-12-2009]

Hi Rosemarie Rinald, You are correct in stating that the those in religious orders of the Catholic Church are "representatives" of the Church, whose duty is to spread the message of Jesus Christ. I don't see myself as a sort of "Defender of the Faith", and as such I only like to make replies when statements about the Church, mostly by non Catholics, are made in error, such as "infallibility" or other misconceptions, such as Catholics pray to statues.John Fleming, Tampa Bay, Florida [12-12-2009]

how about going to Rittenhouse Mill to feed the ducks or going to Valley Green. Why did we spend all our time running from the police. Going down to the 14th was no fun. so you all are my peeps or at least know what I went through. do you remember the big fireworks at the deaf school in Chestnut Hill on july 4th. And to add this I have never met a finer bunch of people than the teachers I had in the Philadelphia public schools in Germantown. Oh yes let us not forget the Vernon fair. Hey I am on my way back to the glory and memory of my dream youth.Steve Donohoe, 61 [12-12-2009]

Well, it looks as though it's cold enough to put up the Christmas lights; at least that's what I thought my dad used to wait for. It always seemed to be a very cold day with lots of wind. He would go into the basement and open the trunk located in the coal bin and start to pull out the Christmas light sets, extra bulbs, candles, and Santa face. He only used the big GE bulbs, the small sets of lights were still not that popular with him. He would of course test them before he put them up and then replace the exact color in the pattern of green, red, while, and blue. You couldn't vary from the pattern, and if you didn't have any more red lights, for example, then it was time to go to the hardware store and buy the 4 packs of bulbs with either all the same color or one of each. Then it was time to go outside and help him put up the lights; would we use masking tape this year or the little white staples that put little holes in the wood around the windows? Didn't matter, it was a complicated job getting the lights to just fit around the window without any excess hanging loosely. Then it was time to do the bushes and trees on the front lawn as well as the railing on the porch. By now, I was freezing and my mom would always make hot chocolate when we got inside. Dad usually drank some blackberry brandy however. When I flipped the switch, it was time to go outside again and look at the lights to make sure they were just right. Small adjustments here and there and we were good to go. Every house on Haines street seemed to be decorated, some more eloborate than others. You could tell where the older people lived; only some candles in the window or a bow or wreath on the door. Not us; we had a beautiful setup. Then it was off to get a tree; not far by any stretch. A short walk around the corner on Stenton Ave and you could find 3 or 4 lots of Christmas trees. It had to be just right of course; not to tall or it wouldn't sit on the train platform, not to skinny or it wouldn't hold all of our ornaments. One year, we set out into a blizzard, complete with lightning and thunder, to get our tree. The last couple of years on Haines st., however, were not that exciting for him. Our bulbs started to get stolen every Christmas, so we didn't decorate as much. We even resorted to getting an aluminum tree at Sears on the boulevard for our final years there. My dad passed away 40 years ago on Dec.7th, just 6 months after moving into our home in Langhorne, Pa.. When I became a dad, every Christmas I decorated the house and made sure it was done just right; every bulb burning and in it's proper place. My kids helped me just like I helped him and they were always thrilled to flip the switch. I think he would have been proud. Merry Christmas everyone!Bill Cupo, Immaculate and Cardinal Dougherty Grad [12-12-2009]

Erda spoke of the avenue & woolworths,I rememmber the pet dept.Their was a tall thin lady that ran the dept.she looked like a sweet timid sweet bird,I never forgot herMarie [12-12-2009]

Bob Terranova, I share your sadness over the news of the death of Lou Cetrullo. He had a profound impact on me as a kid. He was a great mentor and really pushed all of us to get good grades and stay interested in school and life. And, I will always remember his crazy sense of humor. One night when I was working the front counter at the drugstore, we both heard a loud noise that seemed to be coming from the cellar. Lou told me to go down and see if someone had gotten in. Being about 15 or 16years old, I was very hesitant and intimidated. He handed me a hammer and said " you have to do this, I have a wife and kids at home that need me." I mustered up all of my courage and took the long walk down those steep steps to the musty cellar. Lou proceeded to turn of the lights and scream, which made me almost faint ! I ran up those steps 3 at a time, sure someone was on my heels.He stood at the top, doubled over laughing. After I stopped breathing heavy we both got a great laugh out of it. Of course,he knew the noises were from the store next to us, and he just wanted to have some fun with me. He always told me after that I was a very loyal person and that I could be counted on.I never forgot the incident and many of the other zany things he did with his buddies. He even was nice to the stranger people that frequented the store like PeeWee and the Tree Lady.He and I laughed like hell the night PeeWee walked into the store dressed in drag, yet Lou treated him with all the dignity in the world. He was a great guy !BobD'Angelo, umor [12-12-2009]

Does anyone remember the Gentile brothers? They owned a van/truck and would come to our neighborhood ( 5100 block of Newhall St. off of Manheim St. )every Friday afternoon. It was always around 3:30 or 4:00 when I was home from school. They sold fresh fruits and vegetables out of the back of their truck. It always smelled heavenly, with the aroma of fresh cheeses and meats too. My Mom was a big fan of theirs and they would always knock on our door and yell "Gentile" . She would run out to the truck, along with many neighborhood housewives,for her purchases. Another wonderful memory of a wonderful time in a wonderful place....Germantown.Bob D'Angelo [12-12-2009]

Although not a very early period of Germantown, It was during the very early 70s I worked at a Car Wash on Chelten Ave, not far from Germantown Ave. Like the movie “Car Wash” my job was an interesting one. Most of us who worked there were from the same part of the neighborhood. I believe the Car Wash was attached to a Hess or Merit Gas Station. This Car Wash was no doubt a gold mine. On the weekends the cars use to line up around the back of the Gas Station and out to Chelten Ave, towards Germantown Ave. This parade event went on all day and we moved the cars through the wash at an accelerated pace. Since the cars ran on a belt with rollers, you can adjust the speed at which the cars went through the car wash. On busy days it was high speed, which often sacrificed the quality of the wash. On occasion your friends would drive up and you would give them a free hot wash and wax. There were even times when that young woman needed company, fearful of those soapy strips and brushes. I was always happy to accommodate, immediately placing the belt on low speed. On one busy Saturday morning, after a night of partying, my buddy and I had the job of steaming the hubcaps and putting the cars on the track (rollers). This elderly Woman asked my steam cap buddy to put the car on the track. He leaned in and was attempting to put the gearshift in neutral but it immediately went in drive. Well the car had a high idle and off it went. We all watched in amazement as the car took off through the car wash with bushes bouncing off the front end. It continued with my buddy in chase. The car was stopped in time before it entered Chelten Ave, heading directly for Calavanies Fish Store. Like the movie you can write a book about the episodes at that Car Wash on Chelten Ave. Future episodes include the lost hubcaps, antenna malfunctions, scratches and dents, irate customers, insurance forms, rewashes, and so on. “Working at the Car Wash”Ed, Chester, VA [12-12-2009]

Bob D’Angelo: A very nice story on Monsignor McGarrity, I had already written this blog on him and I was going to send it and when I opened up the web page I saw your’s. From the 1920’s and well into the 1960’s most people at St. Francis of Assisi could tell you something about Monsignor Peter J McGarrity. I was on a Benediction crew at the church in 1957-58 ( these crew made up of 5 boys ), George (Buddy) McCartney was on the crew and it was his job to handle the incense burner. Since we were shorthanded very often, George would also carry the incense as well as the burner since he was always at each service. Anyway that’s just the background info. One day after Benediction the priest had left and we were in the sacristy, which was a large room next to the altar, this was in the basement church, George had the incense burner, which had a chain over 2 ft. long holding it, he then said “do you want to see how the altar boys in the west use the incense burner” He then proceeded to swing the burner over his head like a lasso---well I was practically on the floor with laughter. At that point Monsignor McGarrity walks in, I don’t have to tell you our reaction. George forgetting what he was doing, almost hit himself with the burner as it swung closer toward his body. Monsignor looked at us for a few moments and then in a caring voice he said to George “No! No! my boy that’s not how you do it, let me show you how” he then took the burner and demonstrated it’s use. Then gave the burner back to George saying “see that’s how you do it” and then he walk out of the room. Why he didn’t get after us for playing around I don’t know. Since the time George was taken from us early in life, I think of the incident often through the years and I can still see the expression on George’s face as if it happen just a few months ago. My father grew up in the parish and when I was young I spend a lot of time in his old neighborhood meeting old friends of my father. At some point the conversation with these people turned to St. Francis and then Father Peter J McGarrity. I found out from these people that during the depression Father McGarrity helped families in the area by paying their rent or other expenses. Fortunately my own grandfather had a job at this time, not making much money but survived, other families turned to Father McGarrity for help and he got money from his brother Joseph who was a wealthy businessman. When the Monsignor died in 1968 I read in the newspaper that his brother Joseph who died in 1940 was a major leader of the Irish Nationalist Movement in the United States. Later in the 1980’s I found a book about the brother Joseph which I bought in order to see if it said anything about the Monsignor. Today the archives of Joseph McGarrity’s activities are housed at the Villanova University Library.Jack McHugh [12-12-2009]

hi erda i just shared this xmas memory with anthony g. of my cousin lena and i meeting in front of woolworths (a tradition we did every xmas) the salvation army person was always there and then we would go through the stores (window shopping actually)it didnt matter the weather since we walked everywhere anyway .... then .... off for some hot chocolate, laughter, giggling and girl talk ... lena and i enjoyed that time so much and even though we would see each other at other times for some reason those particular times during the xmas season were always better, rosemarierosemarie hite malageri [12-12-2009]

Hey Buddy Ballard, Good to see some old classmates on this site. Excellent job on the nuns list.How about the best nun we never had, Sister Grace Winifred!ed burke [12-12-2009]

Bill Cupo: OMG how true, how true, everything you just stated, what an 'awesome' paragraph...about the good old days. Yep, we all seemed to be okay back then, emotionally, financially, and neighborly speaking. My mom worked a full time job/ and my dad worked in what was then called Nicetown...at a place named Brown Instrument..later called Minneapolis Honeywell..he was employed there for over 42 yrs. who can claim that, today? But yes, we all made ends meet, and had money for Phil the Tailor/ etc. Does anyone who lived nearby Anderson and Price Sts. remember "Tony the Mailman"? I think mom had a secret crush on him, ha ha/ he was so handsome, I even remember that and I was very young...he'd have been around 40ish? thanks, LindaLinda Fontana, Montgomeryville, Pa. [12-12-2009]

Hi,Gerry, "NO LAST NAME," I won't even address your most recent comments here on this lovely site >> because it's the season to be jolly, and you are obviously NOT a jolly old soul....bah, humbug...Instead I will address the sweet Miss Erda's writings. I,too, remember shopping this time of year on the "Avenue", Erda. Yes, my mother and I would most assuredly run into someone we new from "G" town. Christmas decorations were everywhere, and people were happy and sociable. Do you remember taking the trolley or bus and women had rollers in their hair, with lace scarves around them? (I do)ha ha, I will leave you with this thought Mr. Gerry, I am so blessed with a loving family and caring friends.....that I am too content to be bothered by any negative rantings on this site, anymore. I have far more important things in my life to focus on, like the upcoming celebrations of the birth of Jesus. I will go to Mass and include everyone on this site in my prayers. Respectfully, Linda Fontana/ and to Anthony "G". just ignore the slander here.Linda Fontana, Montgomeryville, Pa. [12-12-2009]

Thanks to Bob D'Angelo for his comments about Monsignor McGarrity and his friendship with Father Cavalucci ... I was an altar boy at St. Francis and had the utmost respect for the Monsignor and the rest of the priests ... I remember looking forward to the summertime carnival at St. Mike's.Tom Cusack [12-12-2009]

Bob D'Angelo: Your theory on Mgr. McGarrity sounds like wishful thinking to me and I really wish it were so. But how did he "build up" St. Mike's by turning away little kids from confession and/or Mass, especially if they were already parishioners at St. Mike's? They certainly didn't have any "envelopes" to contribute. No one should be turned away from any Catholic Church for any sacrament, regardless of where they are registered. TO GERRY: God, I can't believe you're back again! Yes, Anthony G. was "tossed out" of CD, but was turned down when his dad asked that he be readmitted. However, at the same time, an Irish classmate, who was also "tossed out" was readmitted on request. Double standard? I think so. But, you know what - I'm gonna do what everyone else is doing and just ignore you and consider the source.Rosemarie Rinaldi [12-12-2009]

gerry had died,gerry has risen,gerry will come again.......anon,aka the wise a-- paul borian with the germantown high school education.Paul Borian [12-12-2009]

Sorry to hear of death of Louis Cetrullo. Worked at Louis Pharmacy 1967-1969.Joan Schmitt, Fort Washington, Pa 76 yrs [12-12-2009]

Well the holiday season is here and the memories of shopping in Germantown come to mind.. I remember walking up the avenue, as we called it in our house, to the buy the special gifts for family and friends. We would wander through Woolworths, Penney’s, Allen’s, Rowell’s and again the large Woolworths on Germantown Ave. Woolworths on Germantown Ave had a great toy department in the basement.. . We windowed shop with the many little stores alone Chelten Ave and Germantown Ave. Visit Santa in Allen’ s!. What fun it was to get on the elevator and lady in the uniform and white gloves to operating it from floor to floor. Rowell's had that upscale lounge. By the time we got to Germantown Ave it was time for lunch.. Where do we eat?? Litton’s, Horn & Hardest, or the Woolworths counter. In every store you would see a someone you knew from school or the neighborhood.. As you walked the avenue you passed people you saw everyday.. May not know their name but you saw their face many times around town.. My mother would always stop to talk with someone, all I wanted to do is get back to shopping not stand there and listen to her conversation. I hope more of you share your thoughts of the Holiday season in Germantown..Erda, West Norriton PA [12-10-2009]

TO JOHN FLEMING: Your response to anonymous about only the Pope being infallible in faith and morals neglects to mention that the clergy and religious are the representatives of the Church and are the ones entrusted to teach faith and morals to the faithful; especially, the Ten Commandments. Therefore, it behooves them to practice what they preach - as in "Love thy neighbor as thyself". Or is this another case of "Do as I say, not as I do"?Rosemarie Rinald [12-10-2009]

Hi Neaty! Yes, it would be wonderful to get together soon! It will be tough to pin down a time, I ferry both my in-laws back & forth to their doctors. They are both in their 80's now, and I'm the only one who isn't working outside the home, so it falls to me. Don't ask me why, but their appointments seem to fall off in the Spring. Maybe thhe doctors take their vacations then! LOL! But that doesn't mean we can't start planning now! Maybe we can do the meet as soon as February? Weather permittig? Let me know what you think. All my best,Carol (nee Walsh), 61 years [12-10-2009]

Anthony G! I had a feeling you were Maryann's brother! How are you?? How's Maryann? I remember her as always having curlers in her hair of a Saturday afternoon. Yep, I went to Mercy Tech, graduated in 65. I didn't know that Maryann went there too! I knew that Joanne did though. Did Maryann graduate in 65? Please give her my best the next time you talk to her! Nice to "see" ya!Carol (nee Walsh), 61 years [12-10-2009]

I had a very interesting conversation today with my brother Tony.We spoke of the Germantown website, and in particular the blogs regarding the "prejudice" shown by Monsignor Mcgarrity towards Italians and his not wanting them attend St.Francis of Asissi. Tony relayed a story that was told to him by his childhood buddy Marty O'Gara, and it made a lot of sense. It seems McGarrity and St.Mike's pastors bfore Father Cavalucci were good friends,and he and Cavalucci very close friends. As Ithought about it I recall Mc garrity being the co-celebrant at many special occasion masses at St.Mike's, like Cavalucci's ordination anniversary. Anyway, the theory is that McGarrity felt that if he kept pushing the Italian people of the community to St. Mike's, he could help build the small church up and form a largerparish and schoolat St.Mikes. He was successful and eventually the archdiocese allowed a larger church and school to be built. His master plan had worked and he helped his buddies up on Germantown Ave. I like to think now that this story is true and we can all drop the bad feelings toward McGarrity and the prejudice we thought existed against Italians. Not to say that there was not prejudice, as I am sure there was, but just maybe it had nothing to do with Msgr.Mc garrity. At least that makes me feel better, doesn't it help you too?Bob D'Angelo [12-10-2009]

Jack McHugh:I liked your blog about your friendly and kind mailman. We had a similar mailman on Hansberry St.,his name was Bob.The Burke Brothers[Ed&John] probaly remember him. Bob was a black guy and he was very kind to me-giving me candy,and discussing baseball. He liked the Dodgers and naturally,I liked the Phillies. He usually won the arguments since the Dodgers had great teams and players-we both liked Roy Campanella who went to Gratz. I learned a lot from speaking with this very bright African-American mailman who probaly went to college. Jack! Today,I was in your old neighborhood-having lunch with some old buddies from Germantown at The Germantown Cricket Club. Later,we had dessert at The Continental across the street from my old house. The place looked great and I always enjoy talking to brother-veterans. Give my regards to brother Joe and enjoy The Holiday Season.John Bruce Schmitt [12-10-2009]

Joe dag and Bob dangelo. Joey. I still plat Kingston trio music. pretty sick right?? i have nostalgiamania. Love it. Bobby. I feel very badly about lou's passing. he was a real father to me. I lost touch with him when he moved to Arizona. I last saw him in the early 90"s as a patient. he had diabetic neuropathy and i treated his painful feet.He taught me so much about life, more than my own father ever did.Thanks for your comments. love hearing your blogs.Bob Terranovabob terranova [12-10-2009]

To Anon 12-08 in response to Dennis McG. blog,you sure do show your lack of knowledge of Catholic teaching-Fleming is correct the only person who is considered "infallible" is the Pope but ONLY on extreme matters of theological doctrine-not on all matters. You, who I think is Anthong G., should shut your pie hole as your ranting is a nuisance here. You were tossed out of CD High and wish to claim it was discrimination. I have gone back over this discourse and find that is not so. You broke the rules and were kicked out of CD and sent to GTHS. Endgame. Do not claim, as others here, without EVIDENCE, that you were discriminated against. That, in itself shows what a poor character you are. There is evidence for the Holocaust and priest sex abuse. Where is your evidence of discrimination against Italian Americans? And where is the EVIDENCE of all the others who say the people of Italian heritage were discriminated against? To conclude: other commentators are not complete on the Germantown discrimination history. First, were the Native Americans who were pretty much run off Germantown. Then the Germans (their language and books were banned by the Brits at the time of the Revolutionary War) Germans and Irish went through horrific discrimination in the 1700's and 1800's for having dances and taverns etc., and near 20 persons were killed by "Nativists"-members of the "No-Nothing" popular American Party in the Bible Riots in Philly in 1843.The Catholics objected to the public schools using the King James version of the Bible- See the film by Martin Scorcese which documents this-placing with liberal literary license in NY. The film is "Gangs of New York". As a result of the Bible riots Archbishop John Hughes, an Irishman, established the Catholic school system in New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore and elsewhere-so now you know where the Parochial schools came from.You surely did not benefit from their fine lessons.Gerry, born in Gtn. [12-10-2009]

Mister McGlinchey, The reason that my parents moved from Logan to New Jersey in 1960, was NOT because the neighborhood was "changing", but a combination of my parents wanting to "move on up", and they choose New Jersey, because it was where my sister moved 2 years earlier, and my parents liked the area, and it was close to my fathers work, and close enough, that I could continue going to CD. I remember my last days in Logan, and it was just as I always remembered. According to friends that still lived there, it the change didn't come till about the mid 60's, and I remember visiting relatives and working in the area, in the late 60's and the neighbor still was a nice place to live.John Fleming, Tampa Bay, Florida [12-10-2009]

I used to work at Lane Collins Pharmacy, mostly for Mr. Collins. Later on I got to know Lou who took over the Pharmacy. He was a nice person and very competent. I am sorry to hear of his passing. Everybody remembers where they were on November 22, 1963 ... I just returned from my mother's burial and went to Lou's to get a sedative for my father ... at about 1:15 I was in Lou's pharmacy and he was the person that told me that JFK was shot .. what a recollection.Tom Cusack [12-10-2009]

It's funny reading these posts of people who didn't have last names; only Al "the barber", Frank "the Mailman". Bert "Ice Cream guy". That's how we got to know somebody back in the day. On any Saturday, no less than 5 people would come to our house to collect money. "The Milkman", "The Breadman", "The Paper Boy", Frank the "Cleaner Guy" who actually picked up your clothes to clean, and of course, my favorite, The "Charles Chip" guy. Once in a while the "Fuller Brush Guy" would stop by to show my mom all the varieties of new brushes. Then of course, a semi-blind guy would knock on the door selling combs for a quarter. My dad was a sucker for him; always bought a comb off him. That was usually just the morning rush of people. In the afternoon, there was an equal amount of people willing to take your money. The "Jack and Jill" ice cream guy, the "Mr. Softee Guy", "The huckster with his horse guy", and once in a while, the guy with the amusement park on the back of is truck. All of this and it's a wonder we didn't go broke. It's funny now we take our kids to a water ice stand to pay $2.50 for it; we have to treck out to buy milk and bread before the snow storm hits, a haircut will set you back about $20 with tip, and a bag of potato chips is no bargain either. How much does it cost to have a shirt cleaned and pressed? Is the fruit you buy in the grocery store good quality and cheap? What's up with ice cream and how much it cost's? Instead of walking to Heller's store, we now have to get in the car to go to a WaWa. Funny isn't it? All of the services I mentioned and we got along just fine finacially. Now, we're all going to the poor house to get the same things. Maybe an overstatement, but you get my drift. How I miss those days in Germantown! Take care everybody!Bill Cupo, Immaculate and Cardinal Dougherty Grad [12-10-2009]